Simms: Poise, patience keys for Smith

Chris Simms says the most significant challenge that rookie quarterback Rusty Smith will face in his first NFL start on Sunday will be managing his emotions.

The 30-year-old Simms recalled that being the case when he made his first NFL start for Tampa Bay against New Orleans in October 2004. Jon Gruden coached the Buccaneers at the time.

“The biggest thing is the first drive,” Simms said. “That first drive … I was so excited and nervous that Coach Gruden would say a play in my ear and literally like three seconds later, I’d try to go through the play and forget something. I think I had to call timeout on the fourth play because I couldn’t get out of the huddle.

“But really, it’s just dealing with your emotions. Being excited, being nervous and making sure you just stay calm mentally.”

Also important for Smith – and all young quarterbacks – is staying patient.

“That’s probably young guys’ big fault is, ‘Let me throw it up and see if I could make a play,’ ” Simms said. “If anything, it should be the other way around. Be conservative, throw the checkdown, throw the checkdown and then those big plays will open up to where you say, ‘He’s wide open. Holy cow, let me hit him.’ ”